Otti Pushes For Global Standards In Healthcare, Targets International Certification For ABSUTH, Others

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to elevate healthcare delivery to international standards, with concrete plans to secure Joint Commission International (JCI) certification for Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba and Amachara General Hospital, Umuahia.

The JCI certification, currently held by only a handful of hospitals in Nigeria, is widely regarded as the gold standard for healthcare quality, patient safety and operational excellence.

Governor Otti stated on Monday at his office in Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA, where he received the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JNCI International Limited, Mrs Clare Omatseye, and her delegation.

The team was in Abia State to present progress reports on the ongoing redesign, upgrade, and installation of modern medical equipment across tertiary hospitals in the State.

The Governor expressed satisfaction with the pace of work across the facilities and reiterated his administration’s determination to deliver world-class tertiary healthcare services across ABSTH, Amachara General Hospital and Umunneato General Hospital.

He added that his administration is poised to position Abia’s healthcare system as a model of excellence in Nigeria and beyond.

He explained that the decision to centralise advanced radiography services at ABSUTH, were carefully designed to ensure efficiency and maximum impact.

“I am happy that we have made a lot of progress. While we are doing these, we are also rejigging the management and leadership of ABSUTH, Aba. Everything is going on simultaneously.

“The decision to centralise radiography, particularly at the highest level, was not taken lightly. We concluded that it would be more useful at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital”, Governor Otti explained.

The Governor highlighted the importance of Amachara and Umunnato hospitals, noting that the facilities were being developed as complementary tertiary centres to ABSUTH.

The State Chief Executive who assured that all necessary approvals would be expedited to accelerate project delivery, stressed that his administration is driven by a strong commitment to delivering results and warned against delays.

“What we are doing in Aba, we want to replicate in Amachara as another specialist tertiary hospital. It’s either we are doing it right or we are not doing it at all.

“All the documents that are required to be signed, please let’s have them and we will sign and return them within the week. 

“We will also put more pressure on the contractor, even if he has to work 24 hours, because I do not like the sound of delay.

“A lot of times people know what to do, but they don’t have the will to do it. Here, we know what to do and we have the will and we will not stop until we achieve it”, he added.

Earlier while presenting a comprehensive update on the state’s healthcare transformation agenda, the MD/CEO of JNCI International Limited, Mrs. Clare Omatseye, commended Governor Otti for prioritising the Healthcare sector through sustained funding and systemic reforms.

Mrs Omatseye noted that Abia had recorded significant progress across primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare levels, including increased budgetary allocation, recruitment of medical personnel, expansion of health insurance coverage and the revitalisation of over 200 primary healthcare centres.

She also announced the donation of a $1 million 1.5 Tesla MRI machine by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, describing it as a testament to the Governor’s leadership and credibility.

Mrs Omatseye confirmed that the advanced diagnostic equipment would be installed at ABSUTH in line with the Governor’s directive to ensure optimal utilisation.

She further outlined ongoing redevelopment work at ABSUTH, including upgraded architectural designs aligned with global standards, modern equipment planning and infrastructure improvements required for JCI accreditation.

Mrs Omatseye maintained that Abia is on a firm trajectory towards achieving internationally recognised healthcare standards, noting that the ongoing reforms are not only transforming infrastructure but also enhancing access, affordability and quality of care.

In a vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche lauded the present administration’s achievements in the Health care sector.

He noted the growing international recognition and ongoing efforts to attain global healthcare standards through JCI certification and digital health partnerships.